Hundreds of children helped raise thousands of pounds for a baby charity through special fundraising swims.

Eastern Daily Press: A child and mother in Norfolk taking part in the Water Babies' Splashathon fundraiser for Tommy's baby charity. Picture: WATER BABIESA child and mother in Norfolk taking part in the Water Babies' Splashathon fundraiser for Tommy's baby charity. Picture: WATER BABIES (Image: WATER BABIES)

Water Babies classes in Norfolk raised just over £28,556 for Tommy's this summer through its Splashathon event.

Tommy's funds research into pregnancy problems including stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage as well as providing information for parents-to-be.

The Splashathon events saw hundreds of babies aged 12 weeks to four-years-old swimming a width in fancy dress.

Kim Bennett, of Water Babies Norfolk, said: 'Water Babies Norfolk has been a proud partner of the Tommy's Splashathon since 2006 and we are over the moon to have raised so much this year. This will go towards our national target of £1m to help thousands of families.

Eastern Daily Press: Two Norfolk children dressed up for the Water Babies' Splashathon in aid of Tommy's baby charity. Picture: WATER BABIESTwo Norfolk children dressed up for the Water Babies' Splashathon in aid of Tommy's baby charity. Picture: WATER BABIES (Image: WATER BABIES)

'The enthusiasm and passion shown by all our little splashers and their families has been overwhelming and we would like to say a really big thank you to all those who took part and also those who donated. Tommy's is obviously a charity close to many parents' hearts.'

Every year, one in four women lose a baby during pregnancy or birth.

Jane Brewin, chief executive officer at Tommy's, said: 'We are overwhelmed by the number of children who got dressed up and took part in the campaign this year and by the generosity of those who have supported by donating to the cause.

'It really will make a difference and help us to help more families achieve their dream of having a healthy, happy baby.'

The £1m raised during this year's Splashathon will help 60,000 women have access to clinics, at the Tommy's centres, such as the Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research.

Paul Thompson, co-founder of Water Babies, said: 'The Splashathon campaign is a perfect chance for us, and the parents who attend, to support women and families who may have had difficult and devastating experiences in pregnancy or childbirth. Every pound raised will help to save babies' lives.'

Water Babies was founded in England in 2002.

Tommy's was set up in 1992 by two obstetricians in St Thomas' Hospital in London who were inspired to start a campaign for more research into pregnancy problems.

Visit www.tommys.org